The Father of Waters

Game Master Fighting Chicken

The blow from the Baneaxe is enough; scooting backwards, the eel turns and slinks upriver, leaving a quickly dissipating trail of blood in its wake.

With no further threats, you're able to free the remaining villagers from Imix's magical tree, and continue your way downstream. By late afternoon, you round a bend in the treeline, and the channel broadens out, the current slowing to a pleasant meander. It soon becomes apparent why: a buildup of debris - felled trees, mud, and plantmatter have compounded into one large dam. The channel moves through it, slowly, the buildup creating an impromptu swamp, the channel's waters spreading into the surrounding forest, submerging it. The smell of waterlogged plantlife is cloying, and the mosquitoes are thick once again.

The keelboats sit anchored to trees in a sheltered cove, safe from any debris being swept further into the dam, while Korya and her boatmen, knives brandished, have begun cutting a trail through the vegetation. Wiping the sweat from her brow, the Tooyah curses. "Rakk. There's a couple of days, probably, to get around this. Unless one of you comes up with a bright idea."

"That was well done." Imix congratulates the people, as his form resumes human features. "We must ensure it does not happen again, however. I suggest we look at ropes for those who are not strong swimmers."
In the wake of the attack Imix shares the Suriname power liberally. It does not remove water from lungs, but cuts and abrasions incurred int he swim wash off like mud.
In the wake of the attack Suriname Imix's wounds fade to scars - but he looks as much at the water now as at the bank, and as adrenaline fades his steps turn to shuffles. Slowly he drifts back, and soon he walks with those rescued from the water.

As they walk, Oios first checks on the villagers that were pulled from the raging waters. He pats them on the back, asks if they are alright, and lets the encouraging aura of the gods that tends to accompany him wash over them as he moves among them. Then he asks Telowo and Isuelt to give the saved ones some extra attention as they move on.

Then Oios finds the eldery villager that almost caused a riot on the banks while everyone else had rushed to the rescue. It's obvious that the old man had been avoiding the Master Of Flight but there's really no place to hide in the caravan. With Telowo's staff in one hand Oios grabs Gent by the shoulder and escorts him, wordlessly, through the crowd in view of everyone until they get to Rock.

Coming to a halt Oios thumps Telowo's staff on the ground meaningfully as he gives Gent a glare and then inclines his head towards the carpatuar.

Aplogize! Oios orders Gent loudly.

Once everyone was safe, Istiel surveyed the water for a few more moments to ensure there was no other dangers lurking below- but as Drazen's nearly translucent form surged up one of the banks before quickly solidifying with gore sloughing off his axe, she knew it was safe.

The monk returns to carrying her burden, and silently plods along with the rest of the group without checking on those she tossed from the water. Others with healing expertise could tend them better; she had done her part.

The river blockage caused her to pause, briefly considering if they had made the right choice after nearly losing multiple people on top of delays, but she lets the thoughts wash over her. If there was anything Domhnall's gift had taght her, it is that forks in the river of time cannot be backtracked.

Istiel shows no signs of slowing down, taking flint knife in hand to help the sailors clear debris and dragging trees out of the way.

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Desnus 4
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Gent spits. "Never! That beast will be death of us! That you side with a beast over your people..." The old man stares at the ground, at once trembling and angry. A crowd gathers, murmuring, to see what the Master of Flight will do with this outright dissent...

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Desnus 5
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The day comes on cloudy and warm. The engineers have met, both of them, and although one is quite mad, they agree: the dam is large. To move it by hand could be dangerous and time consuming. It is best to go around. Unless the leaders have other ideas?

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Desnus 5
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"There is no danger if I send constructs - but I wonder if even the largest animates I can bring to bear could bring down such a structure?" Imix ponders "What if... instead of destroying it, we enlarged it? What if we built walls to contain the flood, and plugged the holes?Could we overtop the dam sufficiently to allow the keelboats to pass through the middle?"

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Desnus 5
============

Telia and Qualto, the two remaining engineers, gather round as Imix muses, and soon enough, Qualto begins nodding his head. "Top it? Top it and crush it!" The boy stomps his feet for emphasis. "Sag the middle, bring the whole thing down, yes?" Looking to Oios' pack, the Qualto's eyes widen, recognition flashing across the mad apprentice's face. "One of the bad engineer's packs? Boom, yes?"

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Desnus 4
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Imix stares with glazed eyes at the conflict developing. He is trained not to show weakness, but even that falters in the shock from a near death experience.

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Desnus 5
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Imix's eyes open wide in surprise. "Yes!" he exclaims. "A detonation - especially towards the bottom - that could sag it enough for us to get through. More chance still if we've raised the water level as high as we can." he nods in approval to the boy.
"So; a risk, but if it succeeds we may only lose one day - possibly even less - rather than two."

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Desnus 4
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Weary from assisting the sailors, Istiel walks into camp to witness Oios dragging Gent to Rock and attempting to force an apology out of him.

The monk pushes people in the crowd aside until she comes to stand next to Oios. Her robed presence simply magnifies the gravity of the situation, and her words hold the weight of their laws. "Rock has proven his worth. Yours is now in question. You sought to hurt one that was only helping. You offer no repentance for your threat to our well-being."

Her eyes smolder behind her mask, and the air about her intensifies with impending violence. "Perhaps you are the beast."

Waiting on Oios' speech (I think he's going to try and turn the crowd against Gent) but it's pretty clear Istiel is about to beat the s~~* out of Gent otherwise.

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Desnus 5
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Istiel was present for the meeting to offer her assistance, and she found a moment to inject herself into the plan. "The bottom of the dam is treacherous. I volunteer to apply the paste. I can ignite it with a thrown bo-.. fire gourd."

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Desnus 4
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That beast saved two of ours Oios says roughly turning Gent to face him and pushing his face close into the trembling senior While you would have caused a fight that might have sent even more of us to our deaths. Beastliness does not come of appearance it comes of behavior as Istiel said. The Wotah Ashkesh who spit on us as we were forced into exile did not look beastly at all but he is a beast through and through. So who acted like a beast at the raging waters? You or Rock?

Oios turns to face the crowd Would you side with one who does not look like a beast like Ashkesh but has killed so many of us and driven us out of hearth and home? Or would you side with one whose appearance you are not used to but put himself in danger for our sake? The answer is clear for the choice is not between Rock and our people as Gent here thinks. It is not between those who look like us and those who do not. The choice is, as always, between good and evil. Between courageous sacrifice and chaotic hate. And in here it is Rock that acted for good and Gent did not.

Here Oios recites the name of the two villagers Rock saved and points them out if they're in the gathering crowd. If this old fool had his way then those would be dead right now. Lungs full of water and drowned with their bodies floating in the river. Indeed Gent, not only do I demand that you apologize to Rock but also to these two and their families for the disaster that you almost caused.

Oios continues to address the crowd We are going into lands that we know nothing of. For myself I pray to Damballah and Ayida Wedu that as we push further south into unknown lands that among the many wondrous and unfamiliar creatures we meet we we fill find a hundred more Rocks to make friends with. We are the refugees moving into lands that are not our birthrights and I will not have foolishness like Gent's turn us into invaders to be fought rather than humble newcomers to be allied with.

Pushing Gent back Oios stands between him and Rock. He thumps Telowo's staff again and lets an aura of holiness radiate out from it.

I tell you again for the last time Gent. Apologize.

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Desnus 5
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Oios nods I believe I have some of their paste left. What risks might there be from using it on this structure?

Desna 4
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Rising from the river, Drazan places Bane back in its sling, where it still pulsed with the maiming magic that it metted out just moments ago to the hungry river eel. A few gasping breaths to shake the unsettling feeling of breathing air again as his form returned to the humanoid and birth given form, were all that Drazan needed before looking for the bulk of the crowd and heading back to see what the extent of the tragedy had been.

As Drazan slogged through the river bank to rejoin the masses, he could still feel the buzz in the air, although this time it was a gut feeling instead of an electric eel's presence. Oios's strong voice was the first thing to come into focus, and when the words made it over the bridge of faint chatter to commanding ton, Drazan knew what this was about, even before Rock's name was called out. Drazan hastefully pressed his way into and through the crowd, eager to see what might have happened to his most recent ally, and he was pleased to find Rock unharmed, or at least physically. Looking over to find Gent, Drazan wasn't surprised at the matter of issue in the least. Gent, and the others like him, were the reason Drazan had kept Rock so close. Hateful people, with nothing but misguided hearts on who their true enemies were, lashed out at every perceived slight and opportunity. They were not good people, and their only saving grace was that they were weak and too afraid to take things as far as physical confrontation. Though one always had to keep an eye on them because if their fear grew large enough, their fear turned to courage was dangerous.

Stepping out from the crowd, Drazan joined Rock's side, We survive this together, or not at all. Drazan shouted to the crowd. Shadeholme's enemies are many. The First Flame, the barbarians of the Fire Peaks, the mountain tribes, giant eels, wyverns, and monsters that will wear your skin as soon as they would eat it. Even the very land you walk on throws obstacles in our way. We don't need more enemies to poison and fight us from within. We don't need more hate or misery especially toward those that have proven themselves by selflessly saving another's life. It's up to all of us to survive, because we either survive together... or not at all. Drazan emphasizes but grabbing Rock's shoulder to show unity, and then a long hard look at Gent, the true outsider.

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Desnus 4
=================

A murmer grows the crowd as you voice your arguements, while Gent stands shaking and staring at the ground. A long, long pause hangs in the air, the only sound the passage of water by the riverbank.

Eventually, Gent looks up, his teetch clenched, his eyes wild, fearful as they fall first on Istiel. "Oh, you're a tough one, threatening an old man. What pride your dead master must have in you!"

The man spins, slipping a little in the mud, finger pointed at Drazan. "There was talk when you first came, you know that? Lijart, the fool, argued that you had worth, and for some gods damned reason, the mayor believed him! But you don't fool me, foreigner! Frozen! You're all savages at heart! I'll be watching you just like I'll be watching your cloven-hoofed friend!"

Lastly, Gent turns to Oios. "I will not apologize, Master of Flight. There's a long history of Tkoyah busybodies interfering on our business, always pushing down on us, oppressing us. Look at who stands here, cozing up to the goat! Two fancy-pants busybodies from the capital, and a Frozen! Y'all have never known what's best for Shadeholme, and I certainly don't expect it now! Go rakk yourselves, each and everyone of you. I for one ain't fooled, and I'll be watching you. One day, the veil will fall from others' eyes too!"

With that, Gent spits once more and pushes forward.

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Desnus 5
============

Qualto grins. "Risks? Only that it would be awesome, yeah!"

Telia rolls her eyes. "Not entirely. Blow too much of the dam, and we could suck a lot of water through it too quickly. Leave our keelboats grounded, or worse, scuttled. Too little of the dam, and we've just wasted resources, but there should be little harm done."

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Desnus 4
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As Gent pushes forward through the crowd past her, Istiel's left hand shoots up and grabs him by the throat. She turns her trunk to face him, lifting the old man off the ground until the tips of his boots are barely touching the mud. Her eyes smolder with anger and righteous fury, but the masked soldier speaks in a clear, measured voice of a judge pasing a verdict. "You are a societal rot. A selfish disease. An instinctive beast. Like those from Piney Bluff."

The monk's grip tightens on his neck, her leathery fingers digging into his skin. "You will make a choice when you wake. Exile yourself. Take your diseased ideas with you. Be thankful you get to live in our ancestral homeland. Or stay to face my punishment for all those you selfishly endangered today."

With her ultimatum set, the fingers on the monk's right hand form into a point. Fingers collide into joints and pressure points located in his shoulders and chest, sounding out hollow thumps and pounding nerve clusters with such pain so as to cause unconsciousness.

She tosses his limp body backwards into the mud. "Remember this!" Istiel loudly states to the gathered crowd. "Work for the greater good! Put others before yourself! We all live or die together."

A glance at the old man stuck in the mud before she turns to leave. "Tell me when he wakes. If he does not leave immediately."

The dice are probably overkill but eh like rolling them

flurry of blows, old man knock-out attack #1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

non-lethal damage #1: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

flurry of blows, old man knock-out attack #2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

non-lethal damage #2: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Oios keeps still as Isitel berates the man but as soon as she starts to beat the man to a pulp. He steps in. ISITEL! You are not in charge! It is not your right to pass judgment!

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Desnus 4
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A surprised look crosses Gent's face - after Istiel lifts him into the air - so quick are the monk's reflexes that the old man doesn't even see the attack coming. Gent beats feebly about the monk's mask and shoulders, his fists causing Istiel little more than annoyance. One drawn out word escapes the man's mouth, before Oios steps in.

"Heeeeeelllppppppp..."

A collective gasp escapes the crowd, as they back up, the elderly and infirm showing shock and fear...

Oios moves, faster than anyone would expect him to move, as he closes in with Isitel and Gent. He grips Isitel's shoulder tightly. To admonish him in a public meeting is one thing, but what you are doing now is chaos he says, not loudly or softly. He simply speaks. Be easy, before I am forced to pass judgment on you as well.

Istiel tosses Gent backwards into the mud as Oios interjects, sparing him the beating. "Then do something." She hisses, rounding on the Master of Flight. "All you do is talk. This problem can not be solved with words. Only action."

She points at the pathetic old man struggling to stand in the mud. "He is a threat to all here. Without unity we will not survive."

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Desnus 4
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And true unity requires words in addition to acts. We will talk of this later Oios says to Isitel as he pulls her away from Gent to stand over him alone.

When I first came to Shadeholme. Oios says in a loud tone. I attended a moot. A moot where The Mayor of Shadeholme, may Legba treat his soul with kindness, sentenced Korya the fisherwoman to death for refusing a direct order. It was a just judgment, worthy of Damballah, for she threatened the safety of all Shadeholme by her refusal to serve. You. the current leader continues, pointing Telowo's staff at the prone and mud covered Gent Committed a crime far worse than hers. You would have caused the deaths of two of ours to serve your own blind prejudice. But still. Just as I requested for Korya I gave you a second chance. And what do you do with it? You commit even greater crimes. You threaten the one thing that has allowed us to survive in the face of the horror that burned the rest of our Valley, our unity.

Oios points at Drazan.

All of us who were outside the walls on the dark day of the attack on Shadeholme by howling cannibals from all directions saw what Drazan did. He was the hero of Shadeholme who scattered a whole band of them with one swipe of his mighty blade. And yet you dare to throw suspicion on him? No without Rock, two of us would be dead. Without Drazan, all of us would be. Their words and acts have proven themselves honourable, you have shown the opposite.

Oios adopts a more formal tone No Gent. You will not be watching either of them; For your foolish eyes are not worthy to look upon them any longer. I pronounce you, Gent, formerly of Shadeholme, no longer a member of The Flight. You are exiled and have no peoples. I order Hamfatten and his men to tie you to a tree with strong rope to keep you from hobbling after us when we move on. This is my judgment and I will see it carried out.

Whatever Gent does next Oios will look around at the gathered crowd Anyone who disagrees with it is more than welcome to join him in exile! Otherwise this gathering is done! Go back about your business!

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Desnus 4
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Imix looks on as the Master of Flight exiles one of the oldest members of Shadeholme. Carefully he does nothing. 'He has been given the Power. The decisions are his. It is a strong precedent. Perhaps this execution will stop others from raising their voices.'

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Desnus 5
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"Very well. Work out where, Telia." Imix instructs the engineers "And the Master of Flight can decide if the risk is worthwhile. Should you require my help, you will have it."
With that the taciturn Suriname puts his hand on Telia's shoulder, a measure of his power passing into her.

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Desnus 4
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Istiel crosses her arms over her chest , watching the exile unfold. She seems satisfied with Oios' punishment, saying nothing more at the time.

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Desnus 4
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You leave the old man screaming, tied to a cottonwood a few dozen yards from the channel. Soon, his screams of rage are lost behind the treeline, as the refugees make their silently along the shoreline. Istiel and Oios find many of the older Shadeholmers averting their gazes, looking at the ground or into the treelines, whenever the warrior and Shadow pass.

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Desnus 5
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Telia and Qualto tie themselves off to each other, and then other lengths of rope, and then run that large length of silk rope around a tree, and attach it to the prow of the closest keelboat. Slowly, they make their way to the natural dam and clamber up, Qualto chattering the whole time, Telia quiet and serious. Within twenty minutes, they've identified their spot, five feet under the waterline, near the center of the log mass.

"Now, how do we light it?" the engineer yells, across to the shoreline.

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Desnus 4
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Justice had been served, though she knew Hamfatten will be upset. While she did not regret her actions, some instinct told her it was best not to allow Oios to sleep alone for the rest of the journey.

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Desnus 5
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Istiel stands on the shores with the others, eager to be useful in this pivotal moment. "I can shoot a flaming arrow from the nearest tree-top."

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Desnus 5
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Drazan smirks at the question from the engineer, the whole idea was brilliant until the most important part came to bare. Spitballing an idea behind Istiel's idea Drazan says, I can light the flame underneath perhaps through my blood or through divine will. My water form will allow me to move quickly so I can rejoin you in short order, and with my life, if the divine will it.

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Desnus 4
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Desnus 5
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"Oh, and you'll need about nine charges, I estimate," Telia yells from atop the dam. "There's a lot of debris to move."

"Fifteen!" Qualto yells, his voice quivering. "Telia's nervous!"

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Desnus 4
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Oios grimaces, Hamfatten was a territorial and unforgiving person. Perhaps Gent's association with him was what had given him the courage to foolishly question Oios? No matter. Oios nods at Imix Very well, as soon as I see him next I will inform him of the matter.

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Desnus 4, Isitel
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Oios finds Isitel as Gent's screams recede in the distance. Your words to Gent were wise, young monk, but your actions were rash. If I had not been there to stop you then I would have had to reprimand you in some way to maintain my authority among the people. Judgment, and punishment, must come from an accepted place and that is, for now, me and not you.

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Desnus 5, Hamfatten
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Oios finds the man he has appointed the head of the internal police. Hamfatten, we ran into a problem with villagers who fell in the water and had to be rescued. Rock the carpataur attempted to save two of them but was almost attacked in this by an elderly man named Gent. Gent refused to apologize for his actions when directly ordered to do so by me so I ordered him exiled, almost certain to die alone. I am led to believe that he was your uncle?
Oios states what happened with no more attempt to embellish what happened.

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Desnus 5, Dam
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Oios sighs and mutters a prayer to Makaya and the memory of Hainu for help with matters of physics. We have just survived a display of the dangers of these waters if we do not treat them with respect. And we also are not very hard pressed for time at the moment. Use nine charges and keep our boats secured. If it is enough then so be it, if not, then perhaps Imix's automatons and Drazan's fluid form can help enlarge the damage to cause it to sag. If even that does not work, then a day or so extra to rest and recuperate would not be the worst thing in the world.

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Desnus 4, Oios/Istiel
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Istiel's expression (that is to say, her eyes), does not change as Oios addresses her. "Very well." She replies, but does not let the matter completely slide, justifying herself. "I acted because you were wasting time. Instructing a mountain to bow. Gent was not going to apologize. He was a risk. At this point we can not tolerate dissent. We need decisive action in our leader. No hesitation. No third chances."

She folds her arms, eyes lighting up slightly. "Hamfatten will be after us both. He is vengeful. He will not forget this. I will resume my duties as your bodyguard. I suggest you sleep among the people. Under my watch."

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Desnus 5, Hamfatten
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The warrior-monk is by Oios' side as he delivers the news to the constable, whether the shadow likes it or not. She says nothing, hands hanging neutrally.

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Desnus 4, Oios/Istiel
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Oios lets the matter of what happened with Gent drop. He think he's gotten his point across well enough to the headstrong monk. As for the matter of Hamfatten Oios grimaces and nods.

I will inform Hamfatten of what occurred and we shall see what we shall see. But your vigilance would be welcome.

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Desnus 5, Dam
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Imix physically stands behind Oios. "The decision is yours, Master of Flight." He announces, loudly.

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Desnus 5, Dam
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When the decision is final, Drazan nods trying to hide an concern for voluntarily having put himself into a position he might not come back from. Let me know when the charges are ready. I will need a minute to prepare.

While the final preparations are made Drazan moves out from the Shadeholme flight to sit alone. While mentally preparing himself he pauses and for the first time preys to the divine power that he has so readily been relying on over the last few weeks. Desaparate times, I know. Why else would I be here and in this situation. I don't know who or what you are, and honestly I am afraid to know; even the slightest amount of your power is extreme, but before I do what we must do to see the flight survive, I wanted to thank you. Intent is one thing, but action is another. You've made this journey from Shadeholme possible, and if my sacrifice further heeds your will, these people will have what they need; a chance.

Should these be my last moments, I hope that I have served well. This isn't what I expected to be my last stand, but seeing that even Rigel and the Demon hadn't dive me in, I suppose it has to be something.

Look after these people. Several of them have my promises of protection and, if it is something you do, I would ask you to guide them further along the path that I have begun. Let the fire guide me. Let the fire transform me. Let the fire purify me. Let the fire consume me.

Then with a clap of his hands on his thighs, Drazan heaves a heavy sigh before getting up and returning to the flight to prepare blowing himself up for the greater good.

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Desnus 5
==============

Hamfatten stares at Oios and scowls. "Yeah, he's my uncle."

---------------

Perched on the dam, Drazan's form shifts, flesh changing to a deep red fire. The fire-man screams, at the top of his lungs, and then drops into the water.

The explosion is almost instantaneous, Water and wood fly in all directions, a low boom rebounding around the channel. A wave of water travels circularly outwards, churning with mud and debris rocking the keelboats violently.

Almost as quickly, the channel begins draining, quickly, as the lake begins funneling through the gap caused by the Man From Fire Peaks. With a grinding crash, another section of the dam folds over on itself, and tumbles backwards through the breech.

Drazan fights against the water, to no avail. The current carries him through the breech, just when the dam folds over itself and tumbles into the water. A large rock topples directly onto the Man From Fire Peaks, and for a second, Drazan thinks with a panic that he's going to be drug to the bottom of the channel... for a second. Twisting, Drazan avoids the brunt of the rock, and it drifts harmlessly away.

In danger of being left high and dry, the boatmen spring into action, Korya's orders echoing across the channel. Knots are untied, ropes hauled, poles put to work, and one by one, the boats and canoes slip through the breach and into the waters beyond. By nightfall, the entirety of the villagers are on the other side of the obstruction. Wood is foraged, campfires are lit, and your people settle down to a soggy and muddy dinner.

Imix grins as the dam wall falls, but holds his excitement until he sees Drazan bob to the surface.
"Perhaps a prayer, with dinner?" suggests Imix to Oios. "It seems the Gods have not abandoned us."

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Desnus 5 Hamfatten
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Oios nods I regret that I was pushed to take the measures that I did but I do not regret the judgment. The only reason we have survived, aside from Damballah's grace, is our unity and he undermined it even as he was given a chance to repent. Oios has nothing more to say and turns to walk away.

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Desnus 5 Explosion
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Oios tensely watches as Drazan puts his life in danger for the people of Shadeholme yet again. He yells for keen scouts to watch for the mountain man and see where he's gone. As Drazan comes out of the water Oios is there to heal as much as necessary.

Oios nods to Imix That would be wise I think. Let me consult with Telowo. He is far better with improving people's morale than I am.

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Desnus 5 Night
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Oios catches Telowo's ear as they settle in for the night. The situation with Gent. Do you have any suggestions on how to assuage those who are, not happy with my punishment of him?

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Desnus 5 Explosion
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Istiel stands with her arms crossed, gripping the insides of her arms with anticipation. She had seen what the explosive paste did to one of the walls at Shadeholme- could Drazen survive such a thing?

The explosion rocks her to the core, and the monk stands awe-struck as the dam begins to fold in on itself. Quickly, her eyes search for Drazen, and against all odds sees him swimming for their side of the bank in the rapidly coursing flow.

A pang of jealously pierces her concern as she realizes Drazen accomplished something glorious, something certainly worthy of song and legend. Something she could have never done. Taking a deep breath, she exhales through her nose in a steady stream, and closes her eyes. The negative feelings wash away with the sounds of the new current cutting into the bank around her. I must be patient. Opportunity for glory will show itself. I could not live in a better time.

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Desnus 5 Explosion
==============

Opening his eyes, surprised to see himself hunched over in the soppy earth of the river bank instead of being greeted by some otherworldly power, Drazan takes his first gasp of air before reflexively coughing up a storm as his body expunges water from his lungs. Every effort is spent in a panicked moment to identify any missing bits, but as quickly as the thought came, Drazan is surprised again that he was not in as much pain as he thought he would be; and nothing missing either. As members of Shadeholme's flight arrive around him and see to his trauma, Drazan is happy to be counted among the living.

Ha! Another day!

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Desnus 5 night
============

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Desnus 6
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The sun shines, the water flows freely. The keelboats once again make good time, leaving the walkers behind, but they anchor, and by nightfall you've caught up, as the boats have stopped at the confluence of the channel and the Cheya's oxbow bend. Even with the delay, you've likely shaved a day off your travels. The boatmen have spent the time waiting smoking fish, and as Ayida-Wedu dies her nightly death, bellies are full.

Nando pulls a fiddle from his pack, and plays an impromptu tune, accompanied by Lijart, beating the sides of a nearby canoe with two sticks.

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Desnus 7
============

A cry goes up from the rear of the walking procession - Utzi's familiar and gruff voice. Hurrying back, you find a loan figure making its way along the riverbank a couple hundred feet behind you, muddy and tired, none other than the Tooyah priestess Nat.

Imix sprawls at the front of his boat, mind on his construct. When the cry comes through he pushes himself to his feet and shades his eyes to peer at the procession to the rear.

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Desnus 7
============

Istiel is the first to meet Utzi's cry, dropping her load and immediately running to the rear of the procession. The monk stops and takes in the silhouette of the woman trudging along with indefatigable purpose, and knows who it is. Ayida-Wedu blesses us with the return of our priestess.

Walking towards the priestess, Istiel calls out when she is within hearing distance. "You return. Are your goals complete?"

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Desnus 5 night
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As the weary travelers make ready to make another uncomfortable camp for the night Oios stands up and clears his throat.

Yesterday was a trying day for all of us, but by working together, hand in hand we saved all that would have been lost to the raging waters. Oios pauses before continuing In fact, we only lost one. And that was of my doing. In the end Damballah only knows whether the judgment and punishment I visited upon Gent was just or not. here Oios holds his hand out wide to indicate the surroundings But that is a matter for another time and place to discuss. For a time when we have found safety. For a place where we can rebuild and recover. And I know such a time will come. Not only because of the wisdom of Damballah, the love of Ayida-Wedu, the passion of Anaisa Pye, the shrewdness of Ayizan, the cheer of Gheede, the compassion of Loco, the wit of Makaya. Not only because of these divine beings whose faith we carry, but because we, mundane mortals, came together, united, with their grace, to work together to save our own. To preserve lives so they would not go prematurely into the caring embrace of Legba.

Until then know that I will act swiftly and decisively to counter any threat that attacks the will to work together we displayed yesterday. Whether that threat come from outside our community, or from within it. Know that this flight is not permanent. Know that I, as Master of this Temporary Flight, will do everything in my power to bring it to a successful and safe conclusion.

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Desnus 6
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Oios give thanks, both in private prayer, and a public one that he leads for the safe return of Drazan from his act of audacious bravery. And for the cleverness of Qualto and the intelligence of Telia that have brought at least a little ease to the hardships of their flight.

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Desnus 7
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Praise be to Ayida-Wedu to bring her daughter back to us from the jaws of the accursed Flame Oios says as he goes to greet Nat back with a firm grip on her shoulder Are you well?

Nat is bone-weary from days without rest and a slog through the mud; the scars across her chest and back protest loudly at Oios' grasp, but she forces a nod and a half-smile.

She draws one arm across her forehead, leaving a streak of mud on her brow. "Oy am here, and aloyve. Beyond that, it doesn't matter. How go things here, Ancient One?"

Things go well enough. Some of the people fell into raging waters and had to be saved, a dam was moved by the engineers, you may get the details of both from others, I am sure. Oios responds. We have befriended a... carpataur... named Rock and I was forced to exile an elderly Shadeholmer who threatened him with violence. You must have passed him by if you followed our tracks. But enough of all that. You seem like you need rest.

Nat looks blankly at Oios. "How Suriname of you." It is not a compliment.

She shakes her head. "No, Oy didn't see him - he must have wandered in a different doyrection from me. And Oy'll rest later -
Oy'm sure there's injured for me to look at." She sighs. "Less'n you've exoyled them, as well?"

Wandered off? Oios looks confused for a moment before shaking his head and turning to the other question, which is also a jibe As long as the injured do not try to start a lynch mob to attack a stranger trying to save people from drowning they will be safe from me he returns. The sick and injured are no better or worse off than the last time you saw them. They will be glad to see you however I am certain he'll show Nat to the center of the camp where the less physically capable of The Flight are protected. Do you have knowledge on whether the adherants of the Flame pursue us? he asks as they go.

Nat is honest; it's a quality that goes beyond merely telling the truth. It would be entirely true to say that no, the Flame are not pursuing them, but...

She shakes her head. "No. Not for now. Oy made a deal with Ashkesh: the Tooyah are trapped, between the Father of Waters and the Flame and the Frozen - he agreed to let them pass, to send them to us... if Oy agreed to tell him where we are once we foynd a place to settle." Her mouth sets in a line. "It was the only way Oy had to troy and save moy people." She sighs. "Midwoyfe's Choice. Again."